Pet hair on a couch, and everyday care with pets and kids
Pet hair, crumbs and spills are manageable with a few habits and a regular cleaning, and WATERFALL's couch cleaning takes care of the dirt that vacuuming leaves. The prices page has the sizes. WATERFALL cleans couches at your home from $130: call (747) 214-6199.
Can you get cat hair out of textured upholstery?
Mostly, with the right tool. A rubber glove, a squeegee or a rubber brush pulls hair out of a weave that a vacuum skims, then the vacuum picks it up. Hair woven into a very rough texture can stay, and no method removes all of it.
How do you get dog hair out of a fabric couch?
Loosen it, then lift it: this is how to de-fur a couch of dog or cat hair, in the order below.
- vacuum with the upholstery tool, including the seams, the back and under the cushions
- run a slightly damp rubber glove or a rubber brush over the fabric in one direction to roll the hair into clumps
- vacuum again
- finish with a lint roller
- repeat weekly, and brush the dog outdoors, so less hair reaches the couch
Is vacuuming enough to keep a couch clean with dogs?
No, not on its own. Vacuuming lifts loose hair, dander, crumbs and grit, so with two dogs do it more than once a week, under the cushions and in the seams.
It does not lift body oils, drool, mud or the smell that settles in the fabric, so also wash the throws and dog blankets, blot accidents at once (pet urine on couches), brush the dogs, and book a cleaning when the dog's spot darkens or smells.
What can homeowners do between professional cleanings?
A short list does most of the work:
- vacuum the seat, the arms and the seams once a week
- blot spills right away; do not rub
- rotate and flip the cushions so wear is even
- use a washable throw where the pet or the child sits
- keep the tag, so you know what the fabric tolerates
How do you regularly clean upholstery from spills to pet hair?
Blot the spill with a clean cloth from the edge to the middle, press, do not rub, and let it air dry. Then vacuum when it is dry. The sooner a spill is blotted, the less of it reaches the foam.
Can cleaning fix cat scratch damage?
No. A scratch pulls or cuts the threads, and cleaning removes dirt, not damage; WATERFALL cleans fabric and does not repair it. What helps instead is below.
- snip pulled loops level with the fabric with small scissors; do not pull them
- tears, holes or exposed padding need an upholsterer to patch, replace a panel or re-cover
- put a sturdy scratching post right beside the spot the cat uses, and cover that arm with a throw or double-sided tape for a few weeks
- keep the cat's claws trimmed
Should I keep pets off the couch?
That is your decision. If the pet stays, a washable throw on its spot saves the fabric and makes hair easy to collect, and a regular cleaning covers the rest.
How do you keep a light sofa clean with kids and grandkids?
Blot spills at once and keep a washable throw on the seats that get the most use. Light fabric shows dirt first, so clean it when the arms start to darken. Cream and light sofas are on our list like any other.
What about pet stains and odor?
Pet urine and odor are a separate option, priced per stain (see the prices page) and treated with enzyme products. The pet stains and odors page explains how that works.
Questions and answers
How to keep a fabric sofa clean with dogs?
Vacuum weekly, keep a washable throw on the dog's spot and blot accidents at once. A professional cleaning handles what builds up.
How to remove pet hair from a couch?
Bunch it with a rubber glove or squeegee, lift it with the upholstery tool of a vacuum, then use a lint roller for the rest. Do the seams last, where hair collects.
Can you get pet hair out of a couch?
Mostly. Hair woven into a rough texture can stay, and no method removes all of it.
Can you get dog hair out of upholstered chairs?
Yes, with the same steps as a couch: glove, upholstery tool, lint roller. Do the seams last.
How do I keep pet hair off my couch between cleanings?
A washable throw on the pet's spot and a weekly vacuum. Shake the throw out outdoors.
Is vacuuming enough to keep a sofa clean?
It handles loose hair and crumbs but not oils and ground-in dirt. Vacuum weekly and clean on a schedule.
How can I reduce buildup between professional cleanings?
Vacuum weekly, rotate the cushions, blot spills at once and keep a throw on the busiest seat. These habits stretch the time between cleanings.
Can I vacuum my sectional between professional cleanings?
Yes, every module and the gaps between them. Use the upholstery tool and go slowly.
How to clean your couch: a guide for pet owners?
Vacuum, remove the hair, blot accidents and book a cleaning for what is in the fabric. Text a photo if there is a stain or a smell.
Prices and booking
More guides
- Couch care: all guides
- How often to clean a couch or upholstery — Our advice: once a year for a couch in daily use, every 6 months with pets or small children, every two years for a seldom-used piece.
- How to clean a couch at home (DIY) — Read the tag, test, use as little water as possible and blot; stop when the dirt is in the cushion.
- Is couch cleaning worth it? — Yes when the frame and foam are sound and the problem is dirt, marks or odor; replace when the structure has failed.
Sources: EPA indoor air quality (General guidance from the US Environmental Protection Agency on keeping the inside of a home clean and ventilated.)